Bioreactors for Advanced Cell Culture, (Nano)toxicity, Regenerative Medicine and Organ Bioengineering

Dear Colleagues,

From the micro to the macroscale, bioreactors are widely used for advanced cell cultures. They can be used as tools for regenerative medicine and for generating physiologically relevant in vitro models. Thus, they represent valid animal model alternatives in drug testing, toxicology applications and more generally to investigate the interaction of different substances, nanomaterials, and pathogens with the human body and immune cells. For these applications, biological interfaces such as lung, intestine, skin, and blood vessels, as well as vital organs (liver, heart, brain and kidney) and structural/functional tissues (bone, cartilage, muscles) are of particular interest. Combining engineering and biology, bioreactors are able to replicate key features of organs and tissues and to provide cells with dynamic stimuli such as flow or mechanical and electrical cues. Current challenges relate to the integration of sensing for real-time monitoring of cell conditions and with the definition of novel actuation strategies to imitate physiological deformation mechanisms. Other fundamental innovations regard the combination of bioreactors and biomaterials to mimic tissue and organ 3D architectures and mechanical properties, which are typically time-dependent (viscoelastic) and may evolve over time according to pathophysiological processes. In this context, the Special Issue Bioreactors for Advanced Cell Culture, (Nano)toxicity, Regenerative Medicine and Organ Bioengineering is collecting innovative research articles and targeted reviews that deal with novel and bold applications and with new solutions for improving bioreactor technology. For instance, applications may be related to different areas of regenerative medicine and to nanomaterial toxicology from a molecular and mechanistic perspective. Innovative solutions may include the use of non (or low)-invasive actuation and sensing strategies based on smart materials or systems or the integration of in silico strategies that are able to improve the relevance of the experimental conditions or result in translation.

Dr. Ludovica Cacopardo
Dr. Sandeep Keshavan
Dr. Bharath Babu Nunna
Topic Editors